The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased chromium content and the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel, and nitrogen.
There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. However, the entire group can be divided into four classes. Each is identified by the alloying elements which affect their microstructure and for which each is named. Typical use: Fasteners, pump shafts. Typical use: Appliance trim, cooking utensils. Can develop high strength by cold working. Typical use: Food equipment, chemical equipment, architectural applications. Develop strength by precipitation harden reaction during heat treatment.
Typical use: valves, gears, petrochemical equipment. Stainless steel is available in many surface finishes. It is easily and simply maintained resulting in a high quality, pleasing appearance. The cleanability of stainless steel makes it the first choice in hospitals, kitchens, food and pharmaceutical processing facilities. Stainless steel is a durable, low maintenance material and is often the least expensive choice in a life cycle cost comparison.
Corrosion resistance All stainless steels have a high resistance to corrosion. High and low temperature resistance Some grades will resist scaling and maintain high strength at very high temperatures, while others show exceptional toughness at cryogenic temperatures.
Among the most frequent alloying elements in non-corrosive stainless steel is chrome, where nickel, molybdenum and further elements are used for special requirements. The magnetisability, as well as the corrosion resistance, are two of these requirements which are controlled by the different alloys. Steel with a chromium content of more than In combination with oxygen chromium forms a thin, sealed, fixed-adhering, chromic-oxide layer — the so-called passive layer.
It is exactly this passive layer which is responsible for the resistance of the material. Due to its corrosion resistance, the metal is used for example for washing drums. Rust-resistant stainless steel can be very well compared to anodised aluminum with regard to its properties.
If the exterior skin of the material is impaired, the material and its surface mostly suffer damage. Stainless steel was introduced in automotive in the s by Ford to manufacture their concept cars. Since then, it is used to produce a variety of automotive parts such as exhaust systems, grills, and trims.
With advancing technology, stainless steel is being favoured by manufacturers to make structural components. It is also heavily featured in other fields of transportation like freighting to make shipping containers, road tankers and refuse vehicles.
The low maintenance of stainless steel also makes it an easy and cost-effective metal to clean and sustain. Stainless steel is preferred in clean and sterile environments as it is simple to clean and does not easily corrode.
Stainless is used in the production of a wide range of medical equipment, including surgical and dental instruments. It is also used in building operation tables, kidney dishes, MRI scanners, cannulas, and steam sterilizers. Most surgical implants, such as replacement joints and artificial hips are made from stainless steel, as well as some joining equipment like stainless steel pins and plates to repair broken bones.
Due to its strength, resistance, and flexibility, stainless steel application has become a vital element of the building trade. It is commonly featured in the interior on countertops, backsplashes, and handrails, and is also used externally in cladding for high impact buildings. It is a common feature in modern architecture due to its weldability, easy maintenance and attractive finish, which is used in the Eurostar Terminal in London and the Helix Bridge in Singapore.
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